Written answers

Thursday, 16 May 2019

Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

Back to Education Allowance Expenditure

Photo of John BrassilJohn Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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171. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated amount it would cost to expand back to education allowance-approved postgraduate courses in line with postgraduate approved courses by SUSI; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21218/19]

Photo of Regina DohertyRegina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The focus of back to education allowance (BTEA) is on providing income support to jobseekers in improving their education qualifications to access the labour market, meeting skill needs and supporting those who have poor levels of educational attainment. The BTEA provides people with a second chance education that will improve their prospects of securing employment The BTEA is not intended to provide a basis for a long-duration participation in extended education as long duration return to education programmes can exceed a jobseeker's 'progression effect' and reduce employment prospects.

Post-graduate courses that lead to a higher diploma in any discipline are eligible for support under the BTEA. The Professional Masters in Education (PME) and masters qualifications based solely on life experience, where the applicant holds no other third level qualification, are also eligible for support under the BTEA.

It would be difficult to establish the estimated cost of making the BTEA available for all postgraduate students as it would not be possible to determine the number of people on welfare support who would be likely to pursue postgraduate studies. The average BTEA annual cost for a 3rd level student for an academic year is approximately €8,500. Irish Masters degrees typically take one year to complete however some courses extend beyond this.

The BTEA is not an alternative form of funding for people entering or re-entering the third level education system. The Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) Grant payable by the Department of Education and Skills represents the primary support for persons pursuing education. The eligibility rules that govern the payment of a student maintenance grant are a matter for that Department.

I trust this clarifies the matter.

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